The credit crunch is taking its toll on almost everyone in the current financial climate, with many holidaymakers choosing to remain in the UK rather than go abroad for their annual summer family holidays. A dim economic forecast doesn't mean however that you have to suffer the dim British weather forecast as well. On the contrary, summer breaks in Europe can be just as cheap as they are in the UK, especially if you travel by car or ferry across to the continent and avoid the unpredictability of flights.

European holiday parks are also perfect for family breaks as there are many holiday parks in France, Italy and Spain that offer luxurious, fun family holidays in peaceful, entertaining and most importantly ?warm? surroundings. Children love the sort of family holidays you can experience in mainland Europe for the excitement and fun factor, and adults enjoy them too because of the fabulous areas the holiday parks are situated in. Areas such as Tuscany and Brittany, famed for their beauty and their history, are also great for kids as they have many family holiday parks.

The best part about summer breaks in Europe in countries such as Italy, Spain and France is that these countries are so easy to get to. Via the Channel Tunnel you can be in France in a matter of minutes and from there can easily make your way to neighbouring countries.